biochemgirl67
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Posts posted by biochemgirl67
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18 minutes ago, Hernandez22 said:
Hello!
I applied to the P.h.D in Education program and the Rutgers Graduate of Education request my university to send official transcripts for the application process. The thing is, I was born and I live and Brazil and here universities do not send transcripts. They (my university) gave me a official transcript which I took to a certified translator and then, I uploaded through the "supporting materials" page. Do you think they might decline me because of my transcripts situation? Are they so "stricted" about it?
Thank you very much!
This is the biology forum. But good luck regardless of discipline!
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43 minutes ago, haughtysauce007 said:
I am rude for telling a peer not to take things so personally? Seriously?
I've got one prescription... Chill pills for everyone. For the sake of everything holy, you'll get detailed information on interview weekend. And by the way, it's pretty true that at a certain level/caliber, the research and educational quality is equal across institutions. A grad student at Hopkins is not guaranteed more or less success than one at Harvard. Or Yale. Or UCSF. Or UPenn. Or Rockefeller. Or Weill-Cornell. Or Stanford. Or Emory. Or Vanderbilt. Or University of Washington. Or several other schools. Do you feel me yet? So wait until interviews to assess your options.
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Having moved from the Midwest to the South, it's not as much of an adjustment as you would think. I really like it. The weather's a good shift and it's similar in terms of the people and the overall feel. I would recommend looking into Southern schools if you want to expand your list. You could also apply to Purdue as it has a fairly good reputation in microbiology.
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On 11/22/2016 at 8:25 AM, blc073 said:
How does one mess up blocking a western? Just curious.
Lol not the blocking! I messed up the first one that night by somehow managing to move the membrane when I tried to roll it together. I tried to learn it off Bio-Rad protocols that said to do it in buffer and I think it was too wet for someone with no experience in doing wet transfers. So I had to redo it and stay later that night.
23 hours ago, Promilla said:Thanks so much. Yeah, I realized maybe I made small mistake. It's just that I am also applying to schools in Europe. That's why only these three.
Well, your comment made me aware that I have little chances. But really appreciate your response.
It's not that you don't have a chance. Those schools are literally the top in the country and can be a bit dodgy in reliably admitting students based on a common profile. I've never seen an American student apply to just 4 of the top 10 schools in our country just because it can be a bit of a crapshoot.
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5 hours ago, bmengineer said:
This may be too late, but what do people think?
Undergrad Institution: Boston University
Major(s): Biomedical ENG
GPA in Major: 3.98
Overall GPA: 3.98
Position in Class: Top 5%
Type of Student: International, MaleApplying for: Bioengineering PhD
GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q:170(97%)
V:164(95%)
W:5(93%
Research Experience: 1 summer as part of the iGEM team (Synthetic Biology competition) working on optimizing genetic circuit design using computational tools. Gained a lot of experience in technical and communication skills. Spent the next year and a half working on a publication under the same PI (submitting a LOR). Working on another publication right now (at a Nature/Cell caliber journal).Then, moved to a mammalian SynBio lab to learn more techniques. The new PI uses my experience from the old lab to develop new projects and even labs for grad level classes. Started working on a CRISPR-dCas9 project for Senior Capstone. Have been in the lab for a year and have started work on two publications.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Many research grants for work over the three summers (ranging from $4200 to $10000). Deans List (all semesters). ENG and BME honor society.
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: TA for an ENG freshman course for over two years. Have a lot of leadership positions - RA, Student Advisor, etc.
Special Bonus Points: LORs from 3 different PIs, all renowned in my field. 2 have been research advisors supervising independent work, while the third has taught me in two high level courses and has been in touch for a couple of years.
Applying to Where:BU (BME)
Harvard (HILS)
MIT (BE)
UW (BE)
NEU (BE)
UCSD (BE)
CASE (BSTP)
STANFORD (BE)
RICE (BE)
I realize that it is very top heavy, but I have been repeatedly told that I will definitely get into the 'reach' schools. I am scared that even though I have a lot of experience, I dont have too many publications (even though I am working on a few right now). Hopefully, my GRE and GPA can balance that out. My SOP should also be good.
you can't use publications that haven't been at least submitted. It's in bad form. But otherwise, you'll be fine. Don't freak out, you'll have some good choices. No one expects publications out of undergrad, although they are a plus. It won't be a detriment and your experience speaks for itself. Hopefully you've done presentations and conferences, which are useful. Either way, you will get in to some of the schools on your list at least.
You know when you think you're going to edit a post and then you just don't? Sorry about that. I'm tired and waiting for my damn Western to block. Ugh. (I messed it up the first time and am pretty sure it's gonna turn out shitty now too. Hey kids, come to grad school!
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On 11/16/2016 at 11:17 PM, hopefulgradstudent999 said:
So I was just wondering what anyone may think about my chances this application cycle of getting interviews/admits. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!
Undergrad Institution: Top 40 Liberal Arts school, known for science & engineering
Major(s):Biochemistry
Minor(s):
GPA in Major:N/A
Overall GPA: 3.271
Position in Class: not calculated by my school
Type of Student: Domestic male, First-gen college student
GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 154 (55%)
V:159 (81%)
W: 4.5 (79%)
B:
Research Experience: 1.5 years in undergrad lab doing protein characterization work. Put together a senior thesis project over the final year and presented it at a national conference.Worked at a startup gene therapy company in Cambridge, MA developing a recombinant viral biotherapy system. (6 months, no pubs but lots of research heavy work)
Worked at a R&D hub in Boston generating mammalian cell lines for downstream manufacturing. Very immunology heavy and lots of assay development work. (1 year)
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Dean's list junior year, Reserch honor society, National conference poster presentation
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Chem and bio club member for last 2 years
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: 1st person in family to attend college. Both parents are military veterans.
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Transferred from State school after freshman year?
Applying to Where:
Vandy
Cornell
Dartmouth
Tulane
UC Denver
U Miami
UTSW
WashU
Brown
Georgia Tech
Personally, I would say that your overall profile is low for a lot of the schools you've chosen. (Vandy, Cornell, Dartmouth, UTSW, WashU) Your research isn't anything more than expected because mosts applicants have that level. Your GPA is low and your GRE scores are a little on the low side. I'm of the opinion your undergrad's name won't matter that much unless it's a TOP school like Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, etc. It's probably too late to change your applications, but maybe look into options like the NIH post-bacc or a lab tech job to bring your research experience into the light. Otherwise, I would suggest adding some lower level schools that are less competitive.
On 11/20/2016 at 8:42 AM, blankens said:Undergrad Institution: Top 10 Public
Major(s): Chemical Engineering
Minor: Biochemistry
GPA in Major:
Overall GPA: 3.63
Type of Student: Domestic Male
GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 168(95)
V: 161 (88)
W: 4.0 (59)
Research Experience: Three and a half years (i.e starting Freshman year) in tissue engineering lab. One year in natural products (field of interest) lab. In the first lab I have been heading up a major project for the last three years and in the natural products lab I have been doing independent research since the beginning of summer. I have three publications in prep from the tissue engineering lab right now, two of which I am a middle author on and the third centers around my project that we hope will be accepted into a high impact journal like Cell. Unfortunately, none have been submitted yet and will not until possibly December or January.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: One summer fellowship between Freshman and Sophomore year
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Tutor for athletic department and privately last two years. Have been training undergrads, five in total, in both labs this year.
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Nah
Special Bonus Points: PI of natural products lab is pretty big in the field
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: I've been in contact with two POIs from Harvard so that might help.
Applying to Where:UCSD-Biomedical Sciences
Harvard-Chem. Bio. (HILS)
Wisconsin-Pharmaceutical Sciences
Univ. of Ill. Chicago- Pharmacognosy
Kentucky- Medicinal Chemistry
WUSTL- Biological Chemistry
Michigan-Chemical Biology
Minnesota-Medicinal Chemistry
Ohio State-Pharmacognosy
Arizona-Medicinal Chemistry
USC-Pharmaceutical Sciences
Oregon State-Pharmaceutical Sciences
Florida-Medicinal Chemistry
Princeton-Chemical and Biological Engineering
Questions: What do you think? Do you think my Chemical Engineering major will hinder my application or help it? I think I have a reasonable list of schools. Most are colleges of pharmacy because of the nature of the field so I'm not sure how to evaluate. Any sort of feedback as to weaknesses in my app would be appreciated.
Thank you!
You will be fine! I think you'll have some often awesome choices. Engineering backgrounds with extensive research are super cool!
On 11/20/2016 at 4:44 AM, Promilla said:Reposting as I didn't get feedback last time and frantically trying to think whether I am not making massive mistake.
Would really appreciate feedback. To be honest I set the bar really high just because I don't want to just do PhD on any random topic or with any random professor. I am applying to UK as well and hoping to have better prospects here. Also, I honestly prefer to do 1/2 years of research assistant rather than work on something I am not really passionate about. So I a not sure whether it's just a massive waste of money or I have some chances.
I know I am international student so that is a disadvantage. Also, I know my verbal and essay are not perfect... (didn't have so much time to prepare as I didn't initially think I would apply.
I am also going to research some more to find professors which work interests me.
Undergrad Institution: University of Edinburgh (honestly not sure how known it is in US but it's one of the best in UK).
Major(s): Immunology Bsc Hons
Minor(s): We don't have such things - just single degree in Immunology
GPA in Major: 3.98
Overall GPA: It's A (so called First Class Honors) - around 75%; not sure what is it after conversion (around 3.9 from what I see).
Position in Class: Probably up 5%
Type of Student: International Female
GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 167 (93 percentile)
V: 161 (88 percentile)
W: 4.5 (82 percentile)
B:
Research Experience:Couple of small projects funded by associations at our school.
- After high school I went for 1 month to Germany - did chemistry there; mostly assisted with organic synthesis, etc.
- Summer Internship at the University of Tokyo (biology/analytical chemistry) - 2 MONTHS.
- Summer Internship at the University of Edinburgh - micrRNAs; mostly validated mouse model that the lab created; - 3 MONTHS
- Continued in the same lab for another 3/4 months - we started a completely new project; the work is ongoing; I couldn't stay for longer because of too much work for the degree. Also I was not allowed to continue my final honour thesis in the lab (it's not fair and our school does not allow it);
- Summer Internship at Rockefeller - worked on immunology/chemical biology. - 2 MONTHS;
- In December/January I am starting my final thesis project - working on the role of lipids in inflammation (autoimmunity, etc) = will be 3/4 months.
Unfortunately no publication as most of the work was either negative results (UoT) or the work is ongoing.
Will have SOPs from Rockefeller and UoE (research PIs) and from my tutor at the University.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: 2nd Year Chemistry Laboratory Prize
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Student Champion for an organization that is concerned with equality in STEM; President of the UoE Science Media Society;
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
Applying to Where:
Harvard ImmunologyMSKCC
Weill Cornell
UCSF (BMS)
Rockefeller
Thanks!
Your research experience is sorely lacking and it will be a toss up whether your stellar GPA and short-term projects will compensate. I would say that it might be an issue especially since you're international. I'm surprised you only applied to 5 schools, especially since they are so competitive. You really should diversify and create a back up plan in case it doesn't pan out. Many applicants will have great experiences with research and presentations and even sometimes publications. Really, it'll a be toss-up and I wouldn't be expecting anything.
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1 hour ago, Neuro15 said:
Got a question for y'all about my PS/SoP. Many programs ask that you demonstrate "why neuroscience?" as your intended program choice. Well, I didn't really even think of neuroscience until the Spring of my senior year (2015) when I took physiology and learned about the Retina. Since then (so currently a year and a half) I've been a tech full-time in a retinal neuroscience lab which has only reassured myself that neuroscience (especially sensory neuro) is what I want to do. I'm a bit worried that adcoms will think I'm not committed enough to neuro because 1.) I didn't take any neuro-related courses in undergrad, and 2.) I didn't do neuro-related research until my tech job (I did cancer bio research in undergrad). Any thoughts on how to phrase this in my SoP to allay any adcom concerns? Thanks!
Also, you could apply to some interdisciplinary/umbrella programs that have a neuro track. But otherwise, you'll be totally fine because a year and a half of experience is great!
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I mean I'm straight so maybe my opinion isn't applicable, but I would not mention it in the SoP. I would mention it in a diversity prompt if there was one. If not, use the space to write about something else.
EDIT: I just think that it would be super awkward to write. Like... "I find the same gender attractive. And that's all I have to say about that." I just wouldn't want to talk about it lol.
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14 hours ago, LoveMysterious said:
@biochemgirl67, would you mind if I PMed you with a couple of questions about Vanderbilt IGP's application? I am planning to apply
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Sure! That'd be totally fine.
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17 minutes ago, caliroll said:
Logically I know there's more to life that grades. Emotionally, I've been a wreck, which is awesomely bleeding into my lab work (failed pcr=oh my god these are The End Times and I am a Hack). As lame as it is, I've been on-and-off trying & failing not to bawl over it the last two days. I know it's not realistic. Someone needs to tell my lizard brain that, though.
And I have asked if there was anything I could do. I got a very curt no. But at least I tried there. Thank you for your responses.
You know what? Because you can't do anything and you did your best, you need to repeat after me:
Fuck that guy. Fuck that class. Fuck that rotation.
I know we're supposed to use professional language, but sometimes you just have to drop a few F bombs. There is nothing you can do to change it other than move on. Work hard to do well in your other classes, choose a different rotation. Identify what you could have changed and make it a point to work on those things in the future. Do you need to learn better study habits? Do you need more of a work-lab balance? One failure doesn't constitute an entire career of failure.
- ellieotter, CatLady4Lyfe, sierra918 and 4 others
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23 hours ago, Pinot Meow said:
So, I want to continue in my field of research (which is relatively narrow), so I asked my PI for recommendations. The schools I've listed have labs of interest that are accepting students for Fall 2017.
Comments, critiques, concerns? Thanks!
Undergrad Institution: State school
Major(s): Microbiology
Minor(s):
GPA in Major:
Overall GPA: 3.81
Position in Class: Not sure, probably towards top
Type of Student: Female minority
GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 158 (70%)
V: 164 (94%)
W: 5.0 (93%)
Research Experience:3 years in one lab
- one project with two poster presentations and I'll be an author on a pub this spring
- one project for honors thesis with one poster presentation
- miscellaneous projects here and there
Summer intern at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
6 months in another lab, more of my entry into research than anything else
Awards/Honors/Recognitions:Departmental scholarships
LSAMP Scholar
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:Lab assistant for yet another lab
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:
Special Bonus Points:
My field is pretty small, so my PI's name has weight, which I hope will come in handy.
Applied for GRFP
Lots of experience with anaerobic growth, necessary for aforementioned narrow field
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
I don't think there's much other than a lack of pubs.
Applying to Where:(I was submission-happy this week after the GRFP and already to applied to University of Oklahoma - Microbiology and University of Arkansas - Cell and Molecular Bio.)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Molecular and Cell Bio
Duke University - Genetics and Genomics
So I know @Bioenchilada already said this, but you have so many more choices than you are giving yourself. You look like a direct-out-of-undergrad applicant, and I would HIGHLY HIGHLY OMG HIGHLY recommend you apply to some schools that are really strong in microbiology/genetics but aren't a perfect fit for the research you do now. Graduate school is about finding a great mentor in an interesting research area, not about defining your career specifically. You haven't tried so many options. You've had 3 years of the same thing and then 1 summer internship. I promise you, if you give yourself the chance, you will try something new. You may end up in the same field or similar topic, but if you don't limit yourself now, you can open up your horizons that much more.
University of Washington, University of Wisconsin Madison, Harvard, WUSTL, UCSF, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, etc are all schools within your grasp. You are so early on in your career, it is not worth limiting yourself to the a couple schools because you love the research you've been doing. You have nothing to lose by not limiting yourself, I promise you.
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8 hours ago, CanadianNomad said:
Thanks for the suggestions! Regarding Rockefeller, do you mean that those scientists spend more time working off campus than on? This is good to know!
DAMN IT. I meant ON. I guess I was typing in between waiting for my gel to stain. I meant that if you're going to go to an institute, you have to go to the actual campus. Even though you may be allowed to collaborate from your current lab, you need to go to the program and form those connections. I understand the personal connection, but if that's the important thing to you, then don't apply outside of Boston. Rockefeller's fabulousness comes from the community of scientists that are there, as do any other programs. I would not go to a graduate school program that I wasn't going to live at. If that's not what you meant (if you meant that there will be a collaboration between the labs and you'll go back to Boston often, don't count on it because there are more factors that go into building a collaboration relationship that 1 graduate student) then sorry, I've misunderstood.
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2 hours ago, CanadianNomad said:
biochemgirl67, thank you for your input
I very much hear you on Brown as a whole, I do indeed have a personal attachment/reason for applying there. I would love to be able to apply to the schools you mentioned, but my fiance is in residency in the Boston area so I'm trying to stick close by (Columbia and Rockefeller each have a few PIs that would be happy for me to collaborate in my Boston lab for part of my degree if I was able to get into these programs). Thank you, though, for your suggestions!
What about UMass-Boston or Brandeis? There's also Boston University. And if you are up for it, Yale is only a couple of hours away.
But if you decide to go to Rockefeller, do yourself a favor and actually work off that campus. It's part of the reason that that place is so special. You won't make connections with those scientists otherwise.
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On 10/19/2016 at 3:41 PM, Eppendork said:
I feel like I've turned my age into a strength in my SOPs, or at least, tried to spin it in a positive way
. I've had the time to really think about whether or not I want to earn a PhD, and understanding the importance of research experience early on led me to get into a lab as soon as possible. I didn't take an especially long time to earn my undergrad degree, I just started late.
The juries still out on microbio PI, I only emailed him yesterday morning so a letter from him is very possible. I think it would be positive, I only stopped working in his lab because he moved form the branch to the main campus, and prior to that he expressed interest in writing another paper with me.
I probably should have done an summer REU for an additional PI letter, but have been invested in the work I've been doing in my current lab and didn't want to leave/slow down progress. It's been mostly just me in the lab for the majority of the time I've been here.
Just want to say that age isn't an issue... although GENERALLY speaking, older applicants have more research experience. They'll have worked in industry, been at the NIH, etc. The time that you said you've had to decide you want a PhD... it hasn't been spent in science (from what I can tell, which could be wrong) and that might be an issue if you phrase it like, "Because I'm older, I know that I want to be a PhD." It sounds presumptuous simply because you are getting a PhD to be a scientist, not to be a PhD. You are still a straight out of undergrad applicant, so I wouldn't go to any lengths to differentiate yourself from that crowd.
The only glaring problem I can see with you application is that you'll only have 1 LOR from a PI that knows you well. If you haven't kept up with the micro PI, then it's going to make it difficult. If it's been less than a couple years, it'll be fine, as long as you've kept up with him. To be competitive at a high level, as many LORs as possible from a PI are a must. They are one of, if not the most, important parts of the application.
On 10/23/2016 at 0:08 PM, CanadianNomad said:Hey everyone! I'm about finished submitting my apps. Super excited (and nervous!). Best wishes to everyone as we finish off these apps
Undergrad Institution: Canadian University
Major(s): Biology & Psychology
Minor(s): N/A
GPA in Major: ~3.7
Overall GPA: ~3.4
Position in Class: No idea
Type of Student: International/Canadian, Female, Currently in Boston on 2-year research fellowshipGraduate Institution: Big international Neuroscience Institute
Degree: Master of Biomedical Science - Neuroscience Track
Minor(s): N/A
GPA in Major: N/A
Overall GPA: 4.0
Position in Class: Top 10%. Graduated with highest distinctionGRE Scores (revised/old version):
V: 164 (94th percentile)
Q: 161 (79th percentile)
W: 5.5 (98th percentile)Research Experience:
Undergrad: 2 years conducting research in brain and cognitive sciences lab
Graduate School: 2 years of independent research (degree was 80% research, 20% coursework). Presented at conference/published abstract, published first author review and second author original research paper, wrote formal research thesis and had a formal thesis defence.
Post-grad Fellowship: 2 year research fellowship at Harvard Medical School (2015-2017). Have presented work at conference, two posters/two published abstracts, three papers currently under review (one is a review, two are original research. Author positions: 3rd, 4th and 5th), another paper in preparation (2nd author). Have assisted in writing and have generated a lot of pilot data for one RO1 grant (now funded) and another major grant (under review). Presented at several departmental and out-of-state meetings. Currently supervising a gap-year student and co-supervising a technician.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions:
Merit-based scholarship for MSc, Harvard Med research fellowship
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:
Currently work as a content creator for Khan Academy (>1 year here)
Currently an instructor at Harvard Medical School working on new Pathways curriculum for HMS medical students (just over a year now)
Anatomy TA for a year in undergrad
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:I can't think of anything else not already said
Special Bonus Points:
2 of my reference letters are big name PIs in Harvard community, both are the PIs of the two labs I am currently in. One of them plays a big role in admissions for one of the programs I'm applying to (and heads one of the labs I'd like to do my PhD in). Third ref is PI/supervisor from my MSc. All have promised strong letters (fingers crossed!!).
I collaborate heavily with three PIs at Dartmouth, all in the department I'm applying to
I have solid experience with RNA-seq analysis, something I'm hoping is valuable to some of the PIs.
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
I'm not a U.S citizen/permanent resident (I'm Canadian)
Applying to Where:
Harvard - BBS
MIT - Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Dartmouth - PEMM
Brown - Neuroscience
Columbia - Biological Sciences (I think)
Rockefeller - David Rockefeller Graduate Program
Toronto - Molecular Genetics
You'll be fine. Your application is stellar. You don't need to say anything about your technical skills, because it's not a really considered. As my current PI says, you're not in grad school to be the hands, you've got to have the hands and the brain. And the brain is more important. But here's something; unless you have some attachment to Brown, I would apply elsewhere. Like UCSF, Stanfod, UCLA, Weill Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, Sloan Kettering. They are actually much better schools. Brown has a weak research background compared to your other choices and is very undergrad focused. But it's up to you.
On 10/25/2016 at 5:03 PM, immunoweirdo said:Hi everyone! Do people usually submit their applications early for science PhD programs? I am planning on submitting to immunology/MCB programs and know the deadline is Dec 1 for most, but don't know if its bad to cut it close. Thanks!
Just peace of mind that it's over. I submitted in early November so I could focus on other things, but you definitely don't have to.
- Pinot Meow and NeuroMetro
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I mean, you've got to do what's best for you. But just remember it's actually very easy to apply molecular biology to neurobiology. Because neuroscience includes cognitive and psychology, it might be more limiting if you later decide to something different. It's paramount that you be sure about this before you do it because you won't get a do-over. It just seems you are shooting into the dark with talking to the program director before you were sure/had a plan of attack. Of course they aren't going to be happy! And now you're thinking about going to a different school... but applications are due in a month. Why did you choose this school/program in the first place? Was it really that there was "expectations" after graduation? Or did you have cemented reasons? I just find it hard to believe that people would tell you that you had to go into molecular biology just because you did your undergrad in it because ~99% people change fields at least a little. You should write those down to make sure this isn't a "grass is greener" type situation.
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5 hours ago, Born-to-pipette said:
Very true. Something I've learned in this process hahaha. At this point, I'm just working on my essays and hoping for the best ?
That's all you can do. Chillax and try not to drive yourself insane.
You have 5-6 years ahead of you with which to drive yourself crazy. Just bank on the fact that you is SMART, you is KIND, and you is IMPORTANT.
It'll come through in your interviews. That goes for everybody on here!
- biotechie and spiffscience
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1) contrary to popular belief, professors are not thinking about taking you on for a rotation right now. They are busy with their current students. I would be a little wary of PI that wanted to lock you in right now because you're not even there yet.
2) I would use one or two labs and say they are examples of work you are interested in.
3) you seem to be interested in developmental biology and cell biology. Say that and then explain 3 different topics briefly and how they fit together. For example, if you're interested in developmental biology, talk about developmental patterning and signaling and it's role in structure formation coupled with apoptosis. You could also talk about how you are interested in cell cycle arrest/control in developmental processes.
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On 10/21/2016 at 3:56 PM, Born-to-pipette said:
Perf so pretty much getting an interview at a larger institution is a good indication of admission status, as long as one doesn't screw it up haha
You're trying to generalize too much... just do your best on your interviews and you'll be fine. Trying to plan with percentage points will drive you insane my friend.
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Chillax... you'll be fine. It won't be an issue whatsoever.
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19 hours ago, lmb123 said:
This thread has been very helpful, thanks everyone who gives feedback! I am mostly wondering if I need to diversify my schools? Also I have a few questions about how/when to list publications that aren't yet accepted (below)
Undergrad Institution: Top liberal arts college
Major(s): Biology
Minor(s): Environmental Studies
GPA in Major: 3.8
Overall GPA: 3.6
Position in Class: No idea
Type of Student: Domestic white female
GRE Scores :
Q: 163 (85%)
V: 164 (94%)
W: 4.0 (59%)
B: not taking
Research Experience:Will have complete a 2 year post-bac at NIH in a virology/cancer bio lab: one mid-author publication in top journal, one second author pub in review at Cell (hopefully will be accepted - if not, is it taboo to list the journal where it is under review before it is accepted?), also a first author paper that may or may not be done (should I list papers "in preparation"? I've seen conflicting advice, but perhaps because we're very early in our careers?) [PI will write letter]
One summer and then a senior thesis in a virology/immunology lab [PI will write letter, another prof I took several classes with will write the other]
One summer doing field work/GIS mapping related to climate change/flooding
Awards/Honors/Recognitions:
High Honors in my department
A few poster presentations/awards, but all local
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:TA in intro bio lab, currently do some relevant volunteer work (tutoring through an non-profit, STEM in high schools), Varsity athlete (not sure how to work this in, or if I should bring this up)
Any other info: Not sure how relevant it will be, but my GPA has trended up. Freshman GPA was ~3.3, and I ended up with a 3.9+ my senior year
Applying to Where: my current list, but still updatingHarvard: BBS and Virology
Stanford
Rockefeller
Penn
U Washington: Micro and Mol/Cell Bio
UCSF
Yale: BBS
Wash U: DBBS
Columbia
Any suggestions for schools I might look into, especially ones I can feel more confident about being accepted into? Thanks in advance!
I wouldn't list in preparation, but if they have been submitted, list them. Or at least, I did and no one said anything bad about it lol. Other than that, I think you have a good list. Because I'm a worrier, I would include 1 backup school (I know, I know. Everybody says there should be no safeties. But I like to have one to make myself feel better.) But if you feel confident without it, it won't matter anyway. You'll likely get interviews at some of the schools at the very least.
Also, if you're interested in virology, Emory has a pretty great emphasis on it. Just in case you want to add one more to your list.
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On 10/7/2016 at 1:54 PM, somino42 said:
So I have decided not to apply this year, but instead wait another year. I am so nervous about my GPA preventing me from getting interviews anywhere. Is there anything else I should work on for this year that could help me out besides continuing to work in my lab?
I am am also considering adding NYU to my list, as there is a PI I am very interested in who had great contacts with my current lab.
You might want to apply this year, just make a list of schools that fits your profile plus a couple of reach schools. Also mix some master's programs in there. Then make the best decision after you have more information. There isn't really much you can do in a year to improve your profile. You might get some really great opportunities out of this cycle or you might get some rejections. Just make sure you have multiple types of options.
On 10/7/2016 at 11:36 AM, blc073 said:I fundamentally disagree with this, and this quote is completely antithetical to the rest of your comment.
The advice here is to realistically evaluate oneself, then apply to a variety of schools within a realistic framework, i.e., if an individual has a below average GPA and less than average experience, that individual should not apply to eight top tier programs and one second tier. Settling here is simply appreciating a situation and pursuing a path that will lead to the best graduate school experience without wasting time.
Maybe I didn't provide enough context. If the person is someone who thinks the only acceptable PhD program is a top tier program but they lack some important application points in combination, they might be in for a disappointment. I mean "settling" in this negative context. If an applicant considers going to a school "settling" and really wishes to be a top tier school (which may not be attainable), that seems like setting up for a bad situation. If this same person ONLY wants to go these top schools, then the best way to do that (if this cycle doesn't hold any acceptances) would be to fundamentally change your profile through a master's or industry. Just my opinion though.
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31 minutes ago, blc073 said:
@bkim346 I would apply broadly this year and maybe include a few post-bacc applications.
The real question: are you willing to settle? You have your eyes set on top tier schools, but will you be happy at a second tier school? It gets difficult at this point.
Example: Let's say you apply to five schools and a post-bacc. The five schools are two top tiers, two second tiers, and a smaller school that might be considered a safety. You are offered a position at one of the second tier schools, the smaller school, and a post-bacc. Will you choose the second tier school or even the smaller school over the post-bacc? If you choose the second tier school or the smaller school, you are in a PhD program and on your way to a career. If you choose a post-bacc, your time might put you in the running for a top tier position, or nothing will change and you will be two years behind in a PhD program.
A post-bacc should either be an opportunity to decide if a PhD is what you want to do or a holding pattern after an unsuccessful application cycle. I would not use a post-bacc as a way to get into a "better" program.
If you are certain you want to do a PhD, apply broadly to only schools at which you can see yourself spending five or so years. Then matriculate wherever you are admitted. Don't waste time under the assumption that a post-bacc automatically guarantees a position at a top program.
@bkim346 If you view anything under the top schools you've chosen as "settling" for your PhD, go get your master's or spend some time in industry. Those are your 2 best ways to try and catapult yourself into a top tier school with limited diversity of experience and lower academic qualifications. If, however, you could see yourself being happy at different types of schools, you will be well-positioned to apply broadly and attend the best fitting program, regardless of prestige. Basically all we are saying is only you know your priorities. Personally, I would apply broadly and have a back-up plan if I didn't like any of the schools (probably a post-bacc or actually apply to a few master's programs) and try to be really flexible. But I know people who wanted to top named programs, and so that's where they focused. My friends got in because they had amazing stats and amazing experiences, but on here some people fail to get in to one or all of the schools they've applied to because they shot to high for themselves with their profile at the time.
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10 hours ago, VirologyPhDinTraining said:
Yes, quoted the wrong person. My laptop, unlike my PC, lags even using chrome browser. Apparently I miss clicked. Right now I won't say in public, though, in my area of virology I am with the top person in my field at the university he just moved to. If you really want to know I am more than willing to share in PM.
I'd like to point out to all the impressionable applying students, especially those coming straight out of undergrad, that "top person" is so subjective. It's in flux and it's not a real thing. Don't choose schools/programs based on a PI (not saying VirologyPhDinTraining did, just that someone with a master's is more focused/mature in their training and therefore more successful in making those kinds of decisions) because there are so many things that they don't tell you in undergrad. How do you like to be mentored as a growing scientist? 90% of you don't know (and you shouldn't!) and will find out during rotations. What do you want to study? So many of you think you know (I did and now I'm kinda falling in love with viruses) and end up in something else. Do you want to work in an established lab or a new one or something in between? Do you want your PI to foster a sense of community by trips to bars and parties or do you want someone who is more hands-off? Do you want your PI to jump in and train you or do you feel more comfortable doing that with a senior lab member?
For someone who has not been in grad school before, fame of the PI should be last on your mind. If you already have a graduate degree, chances are you have your life a little more figured out and can make a decision like that and not regret it, just because you're more informed. But younglings, keep in mind that fame does not equal grad student success. It doesn't negate it, but there are a lot of ways to be successful in grad school, and it's not always by going to the top school/program and working with the "top" PI in the field. Choose a school/program where you fit in and a PI that will be a good mentor. Don't make decisions on fame and prestige if you barely have any experience in the field. And I know, it feels like you have a lot when you've worked in a lab for 2+ years, but do yourself a favor and give yourself as many options as possible because you might just want them in about a year from now.
- ballwera, Bioenchilada, Nomad1111 and 1 other
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8 hours ago, bkim346 said:
Thank you for your thoughts! And I've worked with her for a long time, so I expect a very strong letter.
This is, of course, a long shot, but what do you suggest I do at this point to strengthen my app? Even if it meant I apply again the next admission cycle?
I've seen admission stats where people with GPAs of 2.67 - 3.9 being admitted to top schools and I was thinking maybe the publications will be able to show that I am able to conduct research and follow through well and help me get through.I would ask a faculty member that knows you well that is not connected to the vet for their input before going forward, but I think it's an interesting letter.
If you're looking to strengthen your app, go to a post-bacc program. @Bioenchilada and I never disagree so this comes as no surprise. But in order to get a really strong letter and overcome the deficiencies in your profile currently, you might need to do it for 2 years (if that's eve possible with that type of program). Because if you apply next cycle, you will only have ~3-5 months in that person's lab.
The stats thing is... difficult. Unless you went to a top-tier undergrad AND published in high impact journals (Science/Nature/Neuron/Cell), publications won't make up for everything. This is what Bioenchilada was saying. Those people who overcame their 2.8 - 3.3 GPAs have a lot of diverse experience, maybe worked in industry for a bit, got a master's, worked in high powered labs as a lab assistant to work their way into publishing on a project, and/or also got published. GPA is a component and a consideration in this process because grad school is academic AND scientific, so adcoms are trying to make sure that the people they choose have a high probability of lasting through the entire program.
So if you want to go to grad school at those specific schools, then you're going to have to wait at least a year. But you could look into some other programs that have really good research going on and are not in the tippy top tier of schools. I'm not suggesting you lower your standards, but take a good hard look at you and your profile and choose schools that fit you right now, not the person you wish you were. Grad school is not easy and top programs come with extremely high expectations. I'm just saying that given your profile and your high level of success in science as opposed to academic courses, you might be super successful in a program that has less difficult classes. Because as a spoiler, balancing between the high expectations in coursework (which later this year determine training grants at least here) and also in lab is incredibly difficult. But you know you best, and if you feel that you weren't trying your best in the coursework in undergrad or you had other circumstances, then take a couple years and apply to those schools. You could also apply this year and see what happens. Just also consider looking at other schools who routinely do important and interesting research in your field but also maybe aren't the top schools in the country.
- bkim346 and Bioenchilada
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Ask questions about the PhD application process!
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And should never commit until you've done a rotation. It's a big decision that you really don't have the information to make at interviews.
"Thank you so much for reaching out to me! I am delighted to hear of my acceptance and really enjoyed learning about your program and community over interview weekend. I look forward to letting you know my decision after I have completed all my interviews.". I don't really think you need more than that. They know you have other interviews and that it's not fair to expect a decision made before those are completed.